This site could function either as a class demonstration or an in-class/ homework assignment. Students could be instructed to scope the library of specific VSEPR shapes, look for certain bond lengths or bond angles, or find point groups in the more regular crystal structures.

Technical Requirements:

The module provides a link to the MDL Chime site to download the plugin. Chime has recently been upgraded to work in more browsers, but if you have an older version it can have problems working in certain browsers. For troubleshooting browser compatibility. visit Eric Martz's site at http://www.umass.edu/microbio/chime/neccsoft.htm#browsers

Identify Major Learning Goals:

Twofold: users can manipulate, and examine 3D structures in web-based environment (measure bond distances, angles, atom identity, etc.) and become versed in the use of the common application "Chime".

Target Student Population:

Appropriate for high school students and up.

Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

Basic web-browsing skills are needed to navigate the site. Chime itself is pretty self-explanatory. One would be told to visit this site to get an idea about the variations in organic and inorganic structure, so some prerequisite familiarity of 3D chemistry, such as VSEPR, is required.

Evaluation and Observation

Content Quality

Rating:

Strengths:

A good list of Chime scripts that covers many organic, inorganic and biochemical structures.

Concerns:

A small criticism on completeness - even though the structures listed are OK, in some cases the choice of some compound classes over others is a bit random.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:

Strengths:

A good tool to have nearby when helping students grasp the 3D nature of chemistry; really, a tool that MUST be used, because I simply cannot help my students in this area without some sort of visualization help. Uses Chime to its full capability by centralizing quite a number of scripts.

Concerns:

No concerns about the module itself, it is a useful collection. Chime is an easy to use application to demonstrate 3D molecules, but it may be replaced by other programs such as Jmol.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:

Strengths:

Easy to use for the most part. Easy to go back to where you started with browser back button. Comparison (side-by-side) option is very nice.

Concerns:

The list of choices at the top of the page could be bulleted or numbered to aid in navigation. In Chime, I had to click on buttons twice a few times to get them to work.